The Fine and Performing Arts Academy (FPAA) is designed to expose students to a comprehensive course sequence in three areas of the arts: Theatre, Music, and Visual Arts. Students will choose one of these areas in which to concentrate and develop their artistic and creative capabilities. Students will explore career fields which may draw heavily on the arts, including: design, fashion, psychology, music/art therapy, music technology, education, performance, and/or gallery curating.
The Theatre concentration will provide students with courses that focus on theatre, including acting, dance, and vocal skills. Music students will refine their performance technique in instrumental or vocal classes, while also acquiring skills in music theory and another music elective such as Guitar, Piano, or Music Technology. Visual arts students will take introductory classes in 2D and 3D design before focusing on one particular medium. All concentrations will culminate in a capstone course that prepares them for auditions, career and college placement, or portfolio development.
Arts students will also discover numerous opportunities to explore their concentration in a range of extracurricular opportunities both at Delaware Valley and in the wider community. Theatre concentration students will find opportunities to perform in play and musical productions on the DVR stage. Music students will be provided performance opportunities in concerts, recitals, or competitions through their participation in instrumental and/or vocal ensembles such as The Golden Regiment Marching Band, Vox Blue (contemporary a cappella group), or The Golden Blues Jazz Band. Visual artists will be able to take advantage of our Visiting Artists Series as well as form connections with other local artists and galleries.
Eligibility
In order to successfully graduate from the Fine & Performing Arts Academy, students must complete at least 30 credits in their concentration area (which includes both fine and practical arts credits required by New Jersey for graduation).
MUSIC (TOTAL: 35 CREDITS)
Year | Courses | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|
Year 1 | Choose one: Concert Band^ (5 credits) or Concert Choir (5 credits) or Vox Auri^ (5 credits) | 5 credits |
Year 2 | Choose one: Concert Band^ (5 credits) or Concert Choir (5 credits) or Vox Auri^ (5 credits) AND Songwriting & Theory^ (5 credits) | 10 credits |
Year 3 | Choose one: Concert Band (5 credits) or Concert Choir (5 credits) or Vox Auri (5 credits) AND AP Music & Theory (5 credits) | 10 credits |
Year 4 | Choose one: Concert Band (5 credits) or Concert Choir (5 credits) or Vox Auri (5 credits) AND Choose one: Music Elective: Music Technology (5 credits), or Guitar (5 credits), or Piano (5 credits) | 10 credits |
35 credits |
THEATRE (TOTAL: 30 CREDITS)
Year | Courses | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|
Year 1 | Taking the Stage (5 credits) | 5 credits |
Year 2 | Choose one: Introduction to Dance (5 credits) or Concert Choir (5 credits) or Vox Auri (5 credits) | 5 credits |
Year 3 | Contemporary Drama: Plays & Performance Honors^** (5 credits) AND Choose one: Introduction to Dance (5 credits) or Commercial Dance (5 credits) or Concert Choir (5 credits) or Vox Auri (5 credits) | 10 credits |
Year 4 | Senior Seminar (5 credits) AND Choose one: Introduction to Dance (5 credits) or Commercial Dance (5 credits) or Concert Choir (5 credits) or Vox Auri (5 credits) | 10 credits |
30 credits |
VISUAL ARTS (TOTAL: 30 CREDITS)
Year | Courses | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|
Year 1 | Color & Design (2.5 credits) AND Introduction to Drawing (2.5 credits) | 5 credits |
Year 2 | Drawing II (2.5 credits) & Sculpture (2.5 credits) | 5 credits |
Year 3 | 2D Design (2.5 credits) & 3D Design (2.5 credits) AND AP Art History (5 credits) | 10 credits |
Year 4 | 2D Design (2.5 credits) & 3D Design (2.5 credits) AND AP Studio Art (5 credits) | 10 credits |
30 credits |
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
AP Art History with Mr. Tinnes (Art of the Western World, ARTH1101-PDV, 3 credits)
AP Music Theory with Mr. Camano (Theory of Music, MUTH2500-PDV, 3 credits)
Concert Band* with Mr. Hayden (Instrumental Chamber Ensemble, MUAP1183-PDV, 1 credit)
Contemporary Drama with Mr. Ambs (Introduction to Theater, COTR2621-PDE, 3 credits)
Vox Auri* with Mr. Camano (Will run 2025-2026 school year)
* May only be taken once for college credit.
Please email Kristina Sterbenc for more information on Concurrent Enrollment.
International Thespian Society Chapter (Advisor: Clinton Ambs
Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter (Advisor: Adrian Camano)
